If I die before next 2009 Valentine's Day, what will I have done & not done yet?

What would you have done if you died now? A bit more optimistic question is "What will I have done and not done yet if I die before next Valentine's Day?

This question seems absurd! Yet, it motivates me, and raises satisfaction of my accoplishments (thanks to God), and at the same time, wakes me up that there are still projects and those in need around me. There are at least three reflections and expectations involving my life achievements, life and ambitions.

First, when I look from the heaven (if I'm qualified), I can smile looking at my so-called achievements. As a BPK PENABUR teacher, I was sent/awarded four times to Thailand and Singapore. The last time, January 2008, I took a leave from my master's program at UPI Bandung due to limited budget. I was invited twice by SEAMEO RELC www.relc.org.sg
to receive awards on VFLT-SEAMEO (a virtual forum for ASEAN language teachers). I won at least 4 medals/ became winners in DKI Jakarta Teacher Competition, and internal BPK PENABUR writing competitions (in Indonsian language) as well as multimedia competition. I think those are the memories as one says,"Awards/medals may inhibit your next achievements".

Secondly, as far as my personal life is concerned, my family has to be satisfied to let me be a forever bachelor ("jomblo" in Indonesian slang). I broke up twice due to miscommunication and being too picky. I still remember my mom saying,"Hey! Lower your standard. Look at you yourself," reminding me I don't own a 6-pack abdomen and have a chubby posture! Haah! Excluding this one, I take my life as pretty satisfying! For instance, joining 2 wonderful choirs in 15 years (Cavido, St. Yohanes Penginjil, Melawai, Jakarta) and in less than a year in a demanding choir (Cantorum, Bandung) has resulted in various networking and experiences in choral techniques and social lives. Having friends at work--imagine my circles of friends from BPK PENABUR Jakarta until January 2009 (I have taught 5 Jakarta schools for 17 years so far) and Bandung (I have taught 4 Bandung schools for 3.5 years) and online friends, such as the internet motivators, Mr. Bambang Gunawan, and Mr. Tikky, as well as the dynamically ambitious conductor, Rizal. What kind of friendship should I regret to own anymore. One say,"A friend in need is a friend indeed". YES! Everywhere I go, including in overseas, my friends contact me just to say a big hello, missing me (what a narcist I've turned into) and even to discuss some work affairs.

Finally, what about my ambitions? Well, currently I'm an ordinary English teacher (ehm, with an extra-ordinary weight) in 2 of the best schools in Tangerang and Bandung, i.e. SMAK PENABUR Gading Serpong (Brilliant Class) and SMAK 1 PENABUR Bandung. I think you'll agree with me that in the 21st century, it is not enough to teach only with traditional ways, such as memorizing, blackboard and chalk, and the old techniques of listening/speaking. I've got an ambition to provide not only the modern I.T.-based learning, yet an international-standard teaching in conjunction with the 2010 Asian Free Trade Area (AFTA), removing the barriers of international education from one ASEAN country to another. In short, one needs to own an international certificate to help him/her to be a qualified teacher. Thanks to my foundation, BPK PENABUR Jakarta, starting this January 26 (on the Chinese new year, arrrrgh) I started my 1 semester distance learning with UK Cambridge training centre on EFL (English as a First Language) module. In addition, it is my satisfaction as well as three SMAK 1 PENABUR Jakarta teachers to publish an exam-preparation book for senior high school/upper secondary students this February 2009 managed by Erlangga publisher.

However, regarding my master degree programme, I had 2 semesters off due to my departure to Thailand with a sum of budget I had to finance myself and my osteo-arthritis disease in mid-year, taking pains and quite a budget to heal. Having a master degree is something, but the struggle to reach one, I believe, is another thing. It will set an example to my students/graduates on a lifelong education ... come to think, I'm almost 40 year old now. Gee. To add, regarding my last unfulfilled ambition is to have students reach international achievements and return to home country, Indonesia, gaining champions, medals or awards overseas, this time in English language subject.

In conclusion, there are more wishes fulfilled, raising the level of satisfactions in my life, yet I need to focus more on my academic enhancements. And my mating season! Nevertheless, there is a bright side here. My passion and desire to teach and work for others never last (tg).